Rev J. Ralph Blanchard CBE DD

Blanchard's preaching, his personality, his interest in all departments of the church and the order and dignity of his services were effective in increasing the membership from 493 to 581 within his first year at Scots Church. Blanchard was also an Army Chaplain and held many positions in the wider work of the Church, State, Commonwealth and the worldwide Presbyterian Church: Convenor of PCNZ Assembly Church Union Committee; Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of South Australia 1941 - 43; Moderator General of the Presbyterian Church of Australia 1948 - 1951. He was married to Doris Rachel. They had two daughters, Margaret and Leslie, and a son, Ross.